The Dream Continues

From the U.S.A. Another Post-Contest Entry.

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(6/3/2002)

While the official contest may be over, the excellent entries linger on. Carrie Kim, Carismea@aol.com, of Seattle, Washington (U.S.A.) was inspired, reportedly while in the process of cooking some Mie Goreng, to send the following entry in the form of a recipe.

RECIPE FOR A DELICIOUS BALI DREAM HOLIDAY

1.) Begin by selecting the finest ingredients the world has to offer:

Take your pick! The garden of Bali is a bountiful Eden. Look for elegantly splayed coconut and sugar palms gracefully fanning outward, kissing the wind. Notice the luminescent green rice paddies tucked into the countryside, glistening in the sun like emerald cut jewels. Toss in delicate pink petals of fragrant frangipani, fiery red hibiscus and the playful plumes of rhododendron. Wilted spirits will ripen in this tropical garden paradise.

2.) Now add to your dream exotic flavors and aromatic
spices:

Glide between baskets of golden cinnamon and earthy nutmeg. Let your senses be seduced by the enchantment of the market. Observe how piles of freshly stacked papaya and melon fruit blend together with bins of coconut bowls, rattan tablemats, and bamboo trays. Exchange smiles as market ladies in colorful sarongs fry shallots, lemongrass and chili into pungent
urab.. Go on, sample just a taste! The savory aroma of curries, smoked satays and honey cakes meld sumptuously together. Dulled
senses will awaken fresh and anew.

3.) Blend in equal parts of dance, art and music:

The delight and splendor of Bali's cultural arts can be experienced everywhere. Observe the careful hand of a skilled craftsman
carving an intricate barong mask, or follow the melodic sounds of a marching gamelan procession. Take notice of brilliant paintings setting off walls in a dance of color throughout the art markets. They
reflect intoxicating green, deep gold and magenta: the colors of Bali. Whether absorbed in a spellbinding kecak dance, or captivated by the grace of young nimble girls performing legong, let this beautiful culture sweeten your spirits and season your heart.

4.) Raise your dream to temperature, then slowly begin to cool:

Simmer down where the meridian sun connects with the shimmering blue waters along Bali's golden shores. Notice the colorful fishing boats gliding out to sea. Commune
with the little children as they splash and play among the waves. Let this delightful warmth unfold you. The temperature is always just right for a dip into this ancient sea. Allow the cool, healing waters of Bali to dissolve worries of the everyday world. You will leave this aquatic paradise feeling restored and balanced. Tip: To avoid burn, add a dash of sunscreen!

5.) Serve your dream fresh, garnished with a pinch of imagination:

Lastly, tuck a flower behind your ear, adorn a colorful
sarong and visit one of Bali's majestic temples. Here, delicately towering pagoda-like meru rise up among the heavens and call down deities,
ancestors and spirits. Ornate shrines, gongs and flowing penjors culminate with offerings of jasmine, rice cakes and fruit. Sweet, smoky incense swirls in with ethereal sounds of a chanting priest.

These are the moments Bali
translates like a banquet of lavishly served dreams. If dreams are food for imagination, then Bali is the essential ingredient needed to feed your mind, body and soul.